Home Health Care and Hospice Nurses

Employers

There are 33,000 home health care and hospice agencies, which employ more than 2 million nurses and other health care workers. These health care providers often have training programs for prospective employees. Home health and hospice nurses might also find employment with hospitals that operate their own community outreach programs. Most hospitals, however, hire through agencies.

Starting Out

Home care and hospice nurses must first become registered nurses by completing an educational program and passing the licensing examination. Once registered, nurses may apply for employment directly to hospitals, nursing homes, companies, and government agencies that hire nurses. Home care and hospice jobs can also be obtained through school career services offices, employment agencies specializing in placement of nursing personnel, or state employment offices. Other sources of jobs include nurses' associations, professional journals, and newspaper want ads.

For a list of employment prospects, search the Internet for agencies that provide health care to senior citizens and people with disabilities or family service. Many agencies or nursing care facilities offer free training to qualified employees.